For some reason I assumed that with wedding planning off our plate, LeBraun and I would have more time. Not…the…case! Wedding-related tasks don’t stop when the event is over. We’ve got reviews, thank you notes, organizing…the list goes on and on. All on top of us continuing to travel here and there every couple weeks.
I love the hustle, I do. It’s an uphill battle between us and our checklist. Check two things off, add three things. Anyone else out there feel us?
It’s comforting knowing we are not alone in the struggle, because it is REAL!
When I start to feel stressed I know I can always find comfort in the kitchen, and by comfort I mean POTATOES!
I’ve said it countless times before and I’ll say it again, potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Whether they are baked, fried, mashed, sliced, or diced, I’ll take ‘em! They’re always delicious, filling, and versatile.
Potatoes have to be the one vegetable that us universally loved. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who didn’t like potatoes in one form or another.
Plus they make fantastic leftovers, especially these heaping Gluten-Free, Vegan Twice-Baked Potatoes.
A crispy baked potato shell stuffed with light, fluffy mashed potatoes and topped with melted vegan cheese! Mmm!
Twice-Baked Potatoes look impressive yet are quite simple to make. It’s more of a waiting game (waiting for the potatoes to bake, that is) then actual technique so a win-win if you’re not proficient in the kitchen.
Potatoes are a prominent side dish for many of the holidays coming up in the next couple months which I can’t complain about!
Potatoes in general are an excellent source of vitamin C and B6, naturally fat- and sodium-free, AND have more potassium than a banana.
Twice-baked potatoes don’t have to be just a side dish. Make them the focus at dinner and serve them with a side of vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
Potatoes constantly deserve time in the spotlight and Twice-Baked Potatoes are definitely worth the wait.
RELATED: For a lighter twist, add cauliflower like these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes to stuff the shells with.
GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp canola oil, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 oz vegan sour cream (like Tofutti)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter substitute, melted
- 1/4 cup alternative milk of choice
- 1 tsp salt, additional to taste
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan cheese alternative
- 2 green onions, sliced
Optional Additional Toppings (Use DF/V versions if applicable)
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rub each potato with canola oil and place evenly on baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour or until fork can pierce skin easily and the potato is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook as the skin with rip when you remove the insides.
- Set aside and reduce oven heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat remaining canola oil in medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until translucent yet still crunchy, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to large mixing bowl.
- When potatoes are cooled enough to handle, cut each potato in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Carefully scrape out the insides into the large mixing bowl with the onions, trying not to rip the shell. (You don’t have to scrape all the way to the skin, I usually leave a thin layer of potato for shell support).
- Place the shells back on the baking sheet.
- Add sour cream, butter substitute, alternative milk, salt, cayenne and pepper to the mixing bowl.
- Smash (or use handheld beater) until the potato mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Spoon potato mixture into the shells, filling each past the edge of the shells. I like to make them look heaping (n1).
- Top each with shredded vegan cheese alternative.
- Bake an additional 20 minutes or until potatoes are heated through and golden, and cheese is melted.
- Top with green onions (and additional toppings if applicable) and serve.
NOTES
n1. In order to make heaping potatoes, you may end up disregarding one or two hallow shells depending on the amount of filling, so budget accordingly.
